PLT Growth Factor Story: From a Deep Scar to Feeling at Ease

"I'm Niu-Niu, and I'm 21. A car accident left a very deep, sunken scar on my face. The wound healed, but the scar stayed. I wore a bandage almost every time I went out, because whenever it wasn't covered I felt really insecure..."

It was just one accident, but it left a scar I was always self-conscious about

Because the scar was on my face, whether I was looking in the mirror, taking photos, or talking to someone, I couldn't help focusing on that spot. Back then I worried a lot about how others saw me and kept thinking, "Are they looking at my scar?"

Over time, putting on a bandage became something I did every day before leaving the house. It felt like I only had the courage to go out once it was covered. But I knew I didn't want to live like that forever, so I started looking for ways to make the scar gradually less noticeable.

For a sunken scar, Dr. Pan suggested trying PLT

At my first consultation at NAISS CLINIC, Dr. Zhen-Yu Pan examined where the scar was sunken, how deep it was, and the condition of the surrounding skin, then discussed how we could plan treatment.

When Dr. Pan first mentioned PLT growth factor treatment, my first reaction was, "What's PLT?" I later learned that PLT is prepared from your own blood, concentrated and freeze-dried, and contains platelet-related growth factors. How the treatment is actually planned still depends on each person's scar depth, tissue condition, and needs, as assessed by the doctor.

Dr. Pan also told me up front that a deep, obvious sunken scar like mine wouldn't suddenly disappear after one session; it would take time to watch it change.

What was convenient for me is that one blood draw can be made into several vials, which are then used over the course of treatment, so there's no need to draw blood every session. Since I already knew this scar would take time, rather than hoping for a big change all at once, I preferred to follow the doctor's plan and watch the progress session by session.

The scar didn't vanish overnight; I saw it change gradually, treatment by treatment

I'm actually very sensitive to pain, and I was really nervous at my first treatment. Dr. Pan carefully applied anesthesia first and kept an eye on how I was doing throughout, which made me much less scared. The treatment itself took about 10 minutes, and each time I told myself, "Just a little longer, it'll be over soon."

After some time in treatment, I started to notice that the once deep depression was gradually looking smoother, and the difference in level between it and the surrounding skin wasn't as obvious.

Looking in the mirror every day, I didn't always notice a difference right away; at most I'd think, "It seems a little better than last time." It was only when I put my before and after photos side by side that I realized how much had changed over those six months.

The most obvious change for me: I finally don't need a bandage

Before going out, the first thing I used to do was find a way to cover the scar. Now I can just head out without constantly checking whether that spot is showing.

When family and friends saw the change, they told me, "It really looks so different from before, and with makeup it's even less noticeable." For me, going from needing to hide the scar to feel safe, to facing how I look more naturally, is the biggest change this treatment brought.

Recent photos of Niu-Niu, who can now go out comfortably without a bandage

Regaining confidence, and wanting to share with others who struggle with scars

I used to think this scar might stay with me forever, and I got used to hiding it. But once I actually started treatment, I realized change doesn't always happen suddenly; it builds up little by little.

If you're bothered by a scar like I was, I'd suggest getting a proper assessment from a doctor first, understanding your own condition, and then choosing the approach that suits you. At least for me, I'm really glad I found the courage to take that first step.